Bill Russell, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Willis Reed & Other NBA Legends Present The Top Ten | Letterman

Ten NBA legends present the "Top Ten Signs Your Team Is Not Going To Win The NBA Finals."
(From "Late Show," air date: 5/25/04)
#nba #billrussell #letterman
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Welcome to the Letterman KZbin Channel, home to all your favorite clips from Late Night and Late Show - as well as conversations with the writers, producers and performers who helped make it all happen. These highlights have been artisanly-produced, carefully-curated, and chosen completely at random by an old computer that used to pick numbers for the New York Lotto back in the 90’s.

[@norwoodwildlife9849]

I'm glad they had Bill Russell as the #1 reason The writers knew who #1 was of all time.

[@snowman300]

“I wasn’t on your team” is the perfect reason

[@randallphobia8698]

I was hoping that it was either that or “I came out of retirement to play for your opponents.” @@snowman300

[@jcarreon1983jc]

If Bird, Magic, and/or Jordan were there, then Russell would be down the line.

[@rufust.firefly4890]

Yeah, they did, but Wilt's gone.

[@elizabeth7563]

What a lineup, each one a legend. We miss you Bill Russell.❤💚🍀

[@forenergy]

Pride of USF. Go Dons. Rick the Hilltop!

[@randysandberg5615]

And Walton and Reed.

[@mikehernandez6024]

RIP Bill. Mike McIntee once said he suggested that Bill's #1 reason should be "you're playing against me!"

[@HariSeldon913]

Kareem's reason should have been that the coach tells you you're the pilot for flying to the game and you don't really know how to fly the plane.

[@Havreflan]

Don Giller's influence is apparent and appreciated with the channel's trend of sharing clips of legends who recently left us.

[@Drew_D]

Don is great!

[@raymondm.9954]

Is Don Giller "merely" a fan with perfect recordings of every one of Dave's shows, all fully indexed? Or did he work for Dave?

[@joshualebowitz]

@@raymondm.9954 Don Giller is not “merely” a fan. He is probably why this channel even exists (and now also consults or works on it). Don has the greatest archive of David Letterman episodes anywhere and has been an amazing asset to the Letterman late night TV legacy.

[@avidadolares]

Don Giller is the silent legend behind the trending abundance of Letterman clips.

[@Havreflan]

@@raymondm.9954 As I understand it: he never worked for David, he was only a devoted fan and hobby archivist. His devotion led him to be allowed to upload recordings to youtube, a sort of passive permission with the caveat that if the Letterman Show ever started their own channel, he would have to stop uploading himself. When this channel started, he was asked to be involved as a consultant because of his vast knowledge and archive. As I said, this is only as I understand it, through following Giller for a long time. I might remember some of the details wrong.

[@keefriff99]

What a legend. RIP, Mr. Russell.

[@mibeatleman6767]

Rest in peace, Bill Russell. 🏀🕯

[@teto85]

Mr Frazier always looks sharper than a pin.

[@SirVic42]

Least colorful suit he's ever worn.

[@timmilligan5301]

Clean as a razor and twice as sharp!! Classic Clyde

[@Chuck-e7d]

Rest in peace Bill Russell ✌️❤️

[@musicman76enator]

4:34 Rest in Peace, Bill Russell. You will always be one of the greatest GOATS ever. We will miss you. 🏀🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏀

[@rhuephus]

ha ha ... you are repeating yourself AND being redundant ... YOU even know what GOAT stands for???

[@musicman76enator]

@@rhuephus There are multiple GOATs and yes I know what it stands for.

[@mpemberton7760]

RIP Bill Russell. And sorry, Dave, but the Pistons won the whole enchilada that season, knocking out the Pacers (4-2) and the Lakers (4-1).

[@ericpowell20]

Love to know what Kareem was trying to say at the end. Dave must have sprinted back stage to speak to everyone. I'd never stop talking to Oscar, Kareem, and Russell.

[@wills2140]

You would want to have the other Bill ( Walton ) along for a group chat like that, to ... represent a different world view - as well to keep Oscar from saying he did everything , lol. 😉

[@TMthe33rd]

@@wills2140 lol 'represent a different world view' More saver words than saying he's a pothead

[@HariSeldon913]

I'd love to hear what Walton said to Kareem about Kareem's claim of having to drag him and Lanier up and down the court for 48 minutes. 😺

[@Heres_Johnny.]

Dave’s not a short guy. But he looks it up against those fellas.

[@josephcote6120]

I'm 6-4. The only time I felt short like that was meeting sports players at the Big & Tall shop in San Francisco. It was kind of surreal. But as long as you're being cool about it most of them didn't mind you coming up and saying hello for a minute.

[@bernlin2000]

It was really wild to see them getting taller by the end, too 🤣 he started looking like a child

[@keithhepworth4934]

It doesn’t matter how much money you spend, you’ll never wear a suit like Walt Frazier does

[@TMthe33rd]

Damn Walt "Clyde" Frazier just radiates swag here

[@ronleight9341]

This was fun! Kudos to whomever booked these Legends! RIP Mr. Russell.

[@TratUsYT]

Yes I was wondering how the heck did they pull off getting all those legends at the same time!!

[@tamikat4745]

Was sooooo hoping Bill Russell would say: "You have no championships because you have to play me!"

[@SuperMastodon]

What a group. Surprised the room didn't explode from the magnitude of those guys.

[@BlueLightSpecial2023]

Another Top Ten List: Ten guys that make Letterman look like he's still growing. LOL RIP Bill Russell.

[@jcarreon1983jc]

I'm not even a Knicks fan, but I get goosebumps when I hear New Yorkers giving Willis Reed an ovation. Willis Reed is their guy, their player.

[@bartonpercival3216]

I grew up on the West Coast and my hero growing up was Willis Reed. What a incredible athlete he was. Watch all the televised Knicks games on the NBA game of the week. Got to see Willis and Clyde Frazier live in 1973 when they played the Warriors in Oakland. RIP Willis!!!!!!!!! 👍🏀🗽🙏

[@DragonMasterSubo]

Bill and Kareem are easily top 5 players of all time. Great line up

[@theexorcist2605]

That's when late night TV was real fantastic video

[@johncostello6043]

RIP Bill Russell

[@jr032582]

oh man, lots of greatness on that stage for a couple of minutes. Ed Sullivan theatre became a Pantheon of Legends

[@MyName-nx1jj]

The New York skyline was a bit taller that day.

[@VCT3333]

RIP, Bill Russell.

[@TratUsYT]

Wow how did letterman pull off getting all those amazing legends in the same room. Clyde the glide and Kareem two of my favorite legends.

[@romanramirez7847]

R.I.P Bill Russell and Willis Reed.

[@BadOrangeMonkey]

rest in peace , Bill Russell.

[@alexamerling79]

Laker fan here. RIP to the great Bill Russell

[@TacomaPaul]

Took a picture of Bill Russell at the Sonics.

[@boysherman]

Respect!

[@joshuabrooks4907]

Ten of the best players to ever bounce a ball on the hardwood. Rest in peace, Bill Russell.

[@robinrahmani4705]

Wow. This clip should have received more attention. I am both a huge NBA fan and a Letterman fan. Had no clue about this until ran into the clip by chance. What a group of special players Letterman and his producers wee able to gather.

[@carriesee8547]

I remember when he was known as Lew Alcindor. Jfc I’m olllllllddddd

[@bartonpercival3216]

Ouch, me too!!!!!!!! 😱

[@activelivingchallenger4298]

i'm surprised they were able to get them all on the show. Maybe some event was happending in NY during that time?

[@wills2140]

r. .i. p. Mr Bill Russell - may his memory be a blessing. Thanks to David Letterman for uploading this after his death.

[@mskates2001]

When players still had class!

[@the406seadonkey6]

Nice upload. RIP Mr. Bill Russell. Celtics for life!

[@monolithgeometry3221]

If you can't name everyone of those Legends upon sight, never comment about basketball on KZbin.

[@TheSelloutCrowd]

Outstanding group. Russell and Kareem in all-time starting lineup permanently. Both have arguments for the all-time great. Arguably a couple of second-teamers. Most of these guys arguably top 25 all-time.

[@wills2140]

Most 😉

[@mikethebeginner]

Wow, that’s some star power, right there.

[@ELMS]

Love the top tens.

[@batreddirama5110]

What a treat for the audience!

[@johnpelletier7641]

Wow, this one was incredible.

[@reedsawyer5704]

I love basketball. These guys had class.

[@paulypooper2]

Dave is 6’3 and looks small shaking the legends hands .. R.I.P Bill Russel

[@rhuephus]

technically, Dave is in real life 6ft 3/4 inches. They all wanna be bigger than they really are

[@chrisbundy6104]

Amazing!

[@br529]

Dave's looks like a sixth grader shaking their hands

[@RudieObias]

All NBA champions!!

[@johnleeson6946]

I thought Kareem would say that you need an airline pilot to win the Championship!! Great grouping of great players!!!

[@JosePerez-vz1qq]

With a ten like that you don't need a dozen.

[@dmblum1]

I was just a bit too young to see Russell play, but in the early 70s, even when our team the Lakers had Wilt, my dad (Laker fan) would always say Russell was the greatest.

[@MrT8599]

R.I.P. to honestly in my opinion the true NBA GOAT, Bill Russell

[@Chuck-e7d]

Goat indeed

[@MrT8599]

@@Chuck-e7d so you know how the NHL has completely retired Wayne Gretzky’s Number 99 and MLB has completely retired Jackie Robinson’s Number 42; I hope with Russell’s passing that his number, 6, should be retired by the entirety of the NBA. Yes there are certainly some numbers that could theoretically also be retired by the entire NBA like Michael Jordan’s Number 23, but in all honesty, only Russell’s number should be retired.

[@billwhelpley6825]

Friends of Bill R

[@andrewleone2179]

Wow!!! Awesome!!!!!!

[@ruthecker399]

love dave he is the best

[@allistermcginlay6476]

Bill Russell’s quipe should have been, the reason why they won't win the championship, "I'm retired and not playing!"

[@jerzeyguy71]

RIP BILL!!

[@slapshot68]

“Ur teammate is dating a Kardashian”

[@chiefscheider]

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar aka Roger Murdock 😁

[@keefriff99]

Tell your old man to drag Walton and Lanier up and down the court for 48 minutes!

[@bluebassett2]

"I'm the co-pilot."

[@Drew_D]

Roger, Roger!

[@avidadolares]

I'm sorry, son, but you must have him confused with someone else

[@JimmySand9]

Do you like movies about gladiators?

[@JonClemence]

Shaquille Wasserstein, what a player!

[@yeildo1492]

Clyde, looking very dapper.....

[@DanStrayer]

Dave was right about one thing in his prediction: the Lakers did NOT show up for a couple of those Finals games.

[@randysandberg5615]

Those 10 guys would beat the '92 Dream Team.

[@trueknowledgeispower]

The only Top 10 line-up Dave had to look up at to congratulate.

[@ashspeaking7910]

No. 9 and 2 are sooooooooooooooooo funny ❤❤❤❤

[@Michaelpatrickwarren]

RIP Bill Russell.

[@jgrey8959]

Nice to see Clyde next to Clyde.

[@justinakkerman9196]

I wish they would've played a game of 5 on 5 afterward.

[@richdouglas2311]

Okay, so the guests don't do so well. But OMG! Look who's there! Awesome. Thanks!

[@JasonL77]

Ugh, he brought up The Timberwolves. Being a Timberwolves fan, this is a painful memory. Almost making it to the finals only to blow it.

[@frankie3987]

David jinxed the Pacers.

[@FALL-LAFF-7477]

Oh, 2004. And it's Detroit v. Indiana. Imagine predicting them Indiana Boys win w/o thinking "I hope the Detroit didn't go in riot" at those games.

[@tt600pch]

Kinda funny Bill Russel looked like he was in a straight jacket....

[@stevewilson9778]

Well he was right about the Lakers not showing up.

[@samsendejas]

Rip Pacers

[@peterdo5047]

wow to have that much clout so be able to host the nba all-time all-stars

[@daveclark8337]

You're saying all these Hall of Famers wouldn't clamor to be on Conan?

[@rmkw4291]

Letterman must be about 6'3" (190cm) himself as he isn't too much shorter than the NBA legends here.

[@thelettermanpodcast]

We wonder if Dave even knows he has a pair of Jordan’s named after him.

[@steveclapper5424]

Wow! How did he do this?

[@jacarts2793]

Dave's top 10 list on Hell: The Nicks, Hell's official team.

[@brycelandon6387]

That prediction that the Pacers would face the Lakers in that year's Finals did not age well.

[@percypercerton2125]

Bill Russell. 11 rings…and 100% more class that “they guy” with 6…..and I don’t mean Kareem…..

[@hannielghezzi4352]

9 NBA legends and Bill Walton.

[@boomerang8909]

3:28 1995 Champion with the Houston Rockets

[@jlobiafra]

For real and Bill walton won two championships too

[@bamelanr8807]

MJ is a jay leno guy

[@glenngrinter6818]

🏀🏀🏀🏀🏀🏀🏀🏀

[@ellenchavez2043]

Dave could get anyone to do anything.

[@marksheppard6498]

I wish Wilt had been there as well.

[@michaelmachupa3854]

Wait, How the fuck did he pull this off?

[@fucker661]

Number 1 should be: you play for the clippers

[@waynecheeseman8774]

Half of them can sit down. Bird, MJ, and Magic can go up there.

[@rhuephus]

show from 2004 ... how many are still alive ?? don't know

[@ravilcn]

I think all of them except for Russell

[@morrisparrish76]

How many of the 10 men had 5 rules changed by the NBA to hinder their games?

[@georgerafael]

wow. I mean wow. a few gone now to the court upstair. play in peace.

[@JaQuicker]

Go C's

[@clifftanch]

Bill Russell walks right off, but Kareem lingers in the spotlight. No idea what that means. 😂

[@waldolydecker8118]

It means he does wtf he wants to do and not what somebody else does. Its called being an independent thinker...a leader and not a follower. THAT'S what it means. As a follower, you naturally wouldn't know and therefore have to ask.

[@romanramirez7847]

@@waldolydecker8118Chill. It’s not that deep.

[@daveyboy_]

Shaquille Wassertien

[@Chonson]

If it was a top 11. #11. James Harden is on your team

[@rufust.firefly4890]

Clyde.